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Mathematics is important to the modern world. All quantitative science, including both physical and social sciences, is based on it. It provides the theoretical framework for physical science, statistics and data analysis as well as computer science. Our programmes reflect this diversity and the excitement generated by new discoveries within mathematics that affect not only the technicalities of science but also our general understanding of the world in which we live.
Overview
The programmes share a common core of Mathematics at Stage 1, and then move on to cover abstract, analytical and computational techniques that give you the opportunity to specialise in areas such as non-linear differential equations, computational algebra and geometry, financial mathematics, forecasting, design and analysis of experiments, inference and stochastic processes.
The MMatStat course is aimed at students who have a strong interest in pursuing a deeper study of mathematics and statistics with the flexibility to choose a wide range of optional modules to allow those who wish to specialise in a particular area the opportunity to do so.
The programme provides opportunities for students to develop and demonstrate key mathematical and statistical knowledge and understanding and will prepare successful students with the depth of mathematical and statistical knowledge to enter postgraduate studies at the doctorate level in mathematics, statistics and other closely related subjects. A year of Masters level study in Stage 4 gives students the opportunity to explore more advanced topics, which draws on the School's highly rated research expertise.
Independent rankings
In the National Student Survey 2015, 93% of Mathematics students were satisfied with the overall quality of their course.
Course structure
The course structure below gives a flavour of the modules that will be available to you and provides details of the content of this programme. This listing is based on the current curriculum and may change year to year in response to new curriculum developments and innovation. Most programmes will require you to study a combination of compulsory and optional modules. You may also have the option to take ‘wild’ modules from other programmes offered by the University in order that you may customise your programme and explore other subject areas of interest to you or that may further enhance your employability.
Teaching and assessment
Teaching: use of relevant statistical packages; computer laboratory classes; dissertation module; lectures and extended example classes; supervised example classes.
Assessment: coursework involving: complex theoretical questions, analysis of real-world data using appropriate computing packages, projects and dissertation, written unseen examinations.
Programme aims
- provide an excellent quality of education in mathematics and statistics, informed by research and scholarship
- equip students with a broad base of knowledge and skills to analyse and solve mathematical and statistical problems, and to pursue statistics to an advanced level, including development of a systematic understanding of theoretical and practical statistics
- develop in students appreciation of recent developments in statistics, and of the links between the theory of statistics and their practical application
- develop students’ capacity for rigorous reasoning and precise expression and to communicate their conclusions effectively and precisely
- develop in students the ability to work independently with a minimum amount of supervision within agreed guidelines
- ensure that students are competent in the use of information technology and can use appropriate software to solve problems
- provide successful students with the depth of knowledge of statistics sufficient to enter a career as a professional statistician or to begin a PhD in Statistics
- provide successful students with eligibility for the Royal Statistical Society’s award of GradStat, a recognised professional qualification in statistics that is a stepping stone to the Society’s Chartered Statistician (CStat) award (subject to successful accreditation of the programme by the Royal Statistical Society)
Learning outcomes
Knowledge and understanding
- The fundamental concepts and techniques of calculus, algebra, analysis, numerical mathematics and linear algebra (SB3.12).
- Statistical understanding in the subjects of probability and inference and their application to a range of problems (SB3.9, SB3.14, SB3.18).
- Information technology skills relevant to mathematicians and statisticians and understanding of the role of statistical programming.
- Methods, models and techniques appropriate to mathematics and statistics and appreciation of the links between different concepts and methods.
- The role of logical mathematical argument and deductive reasoning, including the formal process of mathematical proof (SB3.14).
- Project work on an advanced statistical topic based on substantial independent work.
Intellectual skills
You develop your intellectual skills in the following areas:
- Ability to demonstrate a reasonable understanding of the main body of knowledge for mathematics and statistics.
- Ability to demonstrate skill in calculation and manipulation of mathematical and statistical material.
- Ability to apply a range of concepts and principles in various contexts relevant to mathematics and statistics.
- Ability to construct and apply logical arguments in mathematics and statistics.
- Ability to demonstrate skill in solving problems in mathematics and statistics using appropriate methods.
- Ability in relevant computer skills and usage.
- Ability to work with relatively little guidance.
- Ability to demonstrate understanding of some advanced statistical theory and techniques and, where appropriate, to demonstrate ability to apply techniques appropriately.
Subject-specific skills
You gain subject-skills in the following areas:
- Ability to demonstrate knowledge of core and advanced mathematical and statistical concepts and topics, both explicitly and by applying them to the solution of problems
- Ability to comprehend problems and abstract the essentials of problems so as to facilitate modelling, mathematical and statistical analysis and interpretation
- Ability to use computational and more general IT facilities in mathematical and statistical work
- Ability to present mathematical and statistical arguments and the conclusions from them with clarity and accuracy.
- Ability to apply some advanced statistical techniques, including model fitting, and interpret the results appropriately.
Transferable skills
You gain transferable skills in the following areas:
- Problem-solving skills; ability to work independently to solve problems involving qualitative and quantitative information
- Communication skills
- Computational skills
- Information-retrieval skills, in relation to primary and secondary information sources, including information retrieval through on-line computer searches
- Information technology skills, including scientific word-processing
- Time-management and organisational skills, as evidenced by the ability to plan and implement efficient and effective modes of working
- Study skills needed for continuing professional development
Careers
Students studying this degree programme will develop a broad range of skills and mathematical and statistical understanding that are highly sought after by employers and which open up a wide variety of careers. School of Mathematics, Statistics and Actuarial Science graduates typically find employment in areas involving applications of the subject or they directly enter postgraduate studies at the doctoral level. Recent graduates of the School have gone into careers in medical statistics, the pharmaceutical industry, the aerospace industry, software development, teaching, Civil Service statistics, chartered accountancy, the oil industry and PhD training.
Professional recognition
Successful students will be eligible for the Royal Statistical Society’s award of GradStat, a recognised professional qualification in statistics that is a stepping stone to the Society’s Chartered Statistician (CStat) award (subject to successful accreditation of the programme by the Royal Statistical Society)
Entry requirements
Home/EU students
The University will consider applications from students offering a wide range of qualifications, typical requirements are listed below, students offering alternative qualifications should contact the Admissions Office for further advice. It is not possible to offer places to all students who meet this typical offer/minimum requirement.
Students can also enter the MMathStat programme by transfer from the standard 3-year degree programmes at the end of Stage 2, provided they have passed the core modules and met the average mark threshold of Stage 2 of the MMathStat programme.
| Qualification | Typical offer/minimum requirement |
|---|---|
| A level | AAA including A in Mathematics (not Use of Mathematics). Only one General Studies and Critical Thinking can be accepted against the requirements |
| Access to HE Diploma | The University of Kent will not necessarily make conditional offers to all access candidates but will continue to assess them on an individual basis. If an offer is made candidates will be required to obtain/pass the overall Access to Higher Education Diploma and may also be required to obtain a proportion of the total level 3 credits and/or credits in particular subjects at merit grade or above. |
| BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma (formerly BTEC National Diploma) | The university will consider applicants holding BTEC National Diploma and Extended National Diploma Qualifications (QCF; NQF;OCR) on a case by case basis please contact us via the enquiries tab for further advice on your individual circumstances. |
| International Baccalaureate | 34 points overall or 17 at HL including Mathematics HL 6 |
International students
The University receives applications from over 140 different nationalities and consequently will consider applications from prospective students offering a wide range of international qualifications. Our International Development Office will be happy to advise prospective students on entry requirements. See our International Student website for further information about our country-specific requirements.
Please note that if you need to increase your level of qualification ready for undergraduate study, we offer a number of International Foundation Programmes through Kent International Pathways.
English Language Requirements
International students will need to demonstrate their proficiency in English: Average 6.5 in IELTs test with minimum 6.0 in reading and writing or equivalent.
Please see our English language entry requirements web page.
General entry requirements
Please also see our general entry requirements.
Fees
The 2016/17 annual tuition fees for this programme are:
| UK/EU | Overseas | |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time |
For details of when and how to pay fees and charges, please see our Student Finance Guide.
The Government has announced changes to allow undergraduate tuition fees to rise in line with inflation from 2017/18.
The University of Kent is currently considering whether to increase its regulated full-time tuition fees for all returning Home and EU undergraduates from £9,000 to £9,250 in September 2017. This would be subject to us satisfying the Government's Teaching Excellence Framework and the access regulator's requirements. The equivalent part-time fees for these courses might also rise by 2.8%.
For students continuing on this programme fees will increase year on year by no more than RPI + 3% in each academic year of study except where regulated.* If you are uncertain about your fee status please contact information@kent.ac.uk
Funding
Kent offers generous financial support schemes to assist eligible undergraduate students during their studies. Details of our proposed funding opportunities for 2016 entry can be found on our funding page.
General scholarships
Scholarships are available for excellence in academic performance, sport and music and are awarded on merit. For further information on the range of awards available and to make an application see our scholarships website.
The Kent Scholarship for Academic Excellence
At Kent we recognise, encourage and reward excellence. We have created the Kent Scholarship for Academic Excellence. For 2016 entry, the scholarship will be awarded to any applicant who achieves a minimum of AAA over three A levels, or the equivalent qualifications as specified on our scholarships pages. Please review the eligibility criteria on that page.